STERLING RUBY

Winterpalais, Himmelpfortgasse 8, 1010 Vienna

Sterling Ruby (b. 1972) is one of the most enigmatic, controversial and unfailingly unpredictable figures in the art world. The Los Angeles-based artist works prolifically in a wide range of media, from glazed biomorphic ceramics and poured urethane sculptures to large-scale spray-painted canvases, nail polish drawings, collages and videos.

His first European survey focuses on works in which military imperialism and rhetoric are analysed and investigated, representing a contrasting parallel with the military history of Prince Eugene of Savoy and his politics. Ruby will present a series of new tapestries designed specifically for this exhibition, which will be hung like Baroque tapestries in the grand rooms of the Winterpalais, thereby constructing a visual and conceptual oxymoron against the backdrop of the celebration of warfare throughout the building.

The exhibition will be on show at the Winterpalais until 16 October 2016.